Wealth Management Podcast Network

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina break down the spike in inflation numbers and what it means for the possibility of a rate cut as we move into the new year. With September quarter inflation data showing trimmed mean rising by 1 per cent, considerably higher than the Reserve Bank of Australia's forecast, a near-term rate cut is unlikely, but that doesn't mean the book should be closed on cuts. They also explore: The US Federal Reserve making the decision to cut rates despite having limited data due to the government shutdown. Why the AI boom is based on solid foundations even as it shows signs of frothiness. The argument for a rate cut to back the labour market.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, MLC Expand CEO Liz McCarthy and Shadforth Financial Group CEO Terry Dillon join host Keith Ford to discuss the transformative role of AI in financial advice and how AI tools are being implemented to drive efficiency. With advice firms looking for greater automation of routine administrative tasks, AI is set to reshape the advice profession's approach to client service and business growth. Tune in to hear: How MLC Expand and Shadforth are responding to the need for greater efficiency through AI tools. Why rigorous governance and privacy protocols to ensure data security and accuracy are so vital. The crucial role of AI in expanding client service capacity, improving financial literacy, and addressing the broader advice gap in the market.

After nearly two decades, the SMSF lending market has matured into a stable and well-regulated segment – yet complexity and misconceptions persist. Bluestone Home Loans head of specialised distribution, Richard Chesworth, joins host Keith Ford to break down the nuances of limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs). From redrawing for property repairs to understanding offset structures and pre-2018 grandfathering rules, Chesworth highlights that success in SMSF lending depends as much on precision and teamwork as it does on opportunity. Listen as they discuss: How advisers can work through the complexity that still exists in SMSF borrowing. What technical traps remain and how redraws, offsets, and refinancing can trigger compliance risks. The importance of collaborating closely with lenders and prioritising expertise and structure over rate alone.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP economist My Bui explore Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to the US and the critical minerals deal stemming from his meeting with President Donald Trump. The meeting also saw a grand announcement that Australian super fund investment in the US would reach $1.5 trillion over the next decade, and Bui unpacks whether that amounts to a major change or simply the result of funds continuing their current investment approach. They also explore: The importance of Australia maintaining trade relationships with both the US and China. How much weight can be put in announcements about US investments. What caused the largest single-day drop in the price of gold since 2013.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP chief economist Shane Oliver unpack the latest unemployment numbers and what they mean for a rate cut, as well as how the latest flare-up in the ongoing US–China trade dispute has highlighted the remaining disparity between gold and bitcoin. The last week has seen significant movements in the prices of both bitcoin and gold, and Oliver breaks down what is influencing investor sentiment and market performance, including geopolitical uncertainty, central bank actions and public debt concerns. They also explore: The increasing pressure on the RBA to cut rates due to rising unemployment, despite previous strong economic data. The notable dichotomy between the simultaneous record highs for both the ASX and gold prices. Why a prolonged US government shutdown and trade tensions with China could be significant global economic concerns.

The announcement this week from the government outlining the changes to the $3 million super tax was met with relief, but there are still many unknowns. On this episode of The SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack the changes from the initial proposal to the current version released this week. The discussion emphasises that while the major concerns of taxing unrealised gains and lack of indexation have been addressed, many technical details still need to be clarified through the legislative process and further consultation. Listen as they discuss: Taxable earnings: Originally, the tax applied to all earnings, whether realised or not. The revised measure will only tax realised gains. Indexation: The $3 million threshold will be indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in $150,000 increments, pegged to transfer balance cap movement. The $10 million threshold will be indexed in $500,000 increments, also aligned with CPI. Tax rates: For balances above $3 million, an additional 15 per cent tax applies to earnings. For balances above $10 million, an additional 10 per cent tax applies to earnings. Start date: The effective start date has been moved to 1 July 2026, with the first assessments issued in the 2027–2028 financial year. Liability: The tax liability remains with the individual, who can pay it directly or seek a release from their super fund. The ATO will calculate the tax. Consultation: There is optimism for constructive consultation on the implementation details, particularly regarding how realised earnings will be calculated for APRA funds and SMSFs, and the treatment of CGT discounts and pre-2026 asset gains.

In this crossover episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by The SMSF Adviser Show co-host Aaron Dunn to unpack the changes from the initial proposal to the current version released this week. The discussion emphasises that while the major concerns of taxing unrealised gains and lack of indexation have been addressed, many technical details still need to be clarified through the legislative process and further consultation. Listen as they discuss: Taxable earnings: Originally, the tax applied to all earnings, whether realised or not. The revised measure will only tax realised gains. Indexation: The $3 million threshold will be indexed against the consumer price index (CPI) in $150,000 increments, pegged to the transfer balance cap movement. The $10 million threshold will be indexed in $500,000 increments, also aligned with CPI. Tax rates: For balances above $3 million, an additional 15 per cent tax applies to earnings. For balances above $10 million, an additional 10 per cent tax applies to earnings. Start date: The effective start date has been moved to 1 July 2026, with the first assessments issued in FY2027–28. Liability: The tax liability remains with the individual, who can pay it directly or seek a release from their super fund. The ATO will calculate the tax. Consultation: There is optimism for constructive consultation on the implementation details, particularly regarding how realised earnings will be calculated for APRA funds and self-managed super funds, and the treatment of CGT discounts and pre-2026 asset gains.

In this episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP chief economist Shane Oliver take a look at the unfolding impacts and potential economic ramifications of the US government shutdown and the surge in gold and bitcoin prices. Alongside the growing concerns with the stability of the US, the massive valuations for the Magnificent Seven tech stocks is fuelling speculation that it's becoming a bubble, though Oliver cautions that there are a range of factors that differentiate the current state of play from previous bubbles, such as the dotcom boom. They also explore: The fallout of threats to withhold back pay for workers caught up in the US shutdown. Why there have been record-breaking prices for bitcoin and gold, considering both fundamental drivers and speculative elements. US support for Argentina, European geopolitical tensions, and concerns about long-term US economic policies under the Trump administration.

Updated legislative and regulatory instruments were added to the ever-expanding cache in the SMSF sector last month. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack what it all means with Bryce Figot, special legal counsel for DBA Lawyers. Figot delves into the changes made in LCR 2021/2 and TR 2010/1, focusing on non-arm's length income provisions and contributions and specifically how they may affect professionals working in the sector. Listen as they discuss: The new "safe harbour" example (7A) in LCR 2021/2. Paragraph 51, outlining discounted prices for SMSF services. Contribution updates in TR 2010/1 that clarify how acquiring an asset for below-market value is not a contribution if it's a purchase under a sale contract. The importance of proper documentation and arm's length valuations that are crucial for mixed part-purchase and part-contribution scenarios. The disproportionate outcomes that still exist where small non-arm's length capital gains can taint entire net capital gains or distributions from unit trusts.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Falcon Financial Advisers partner and financial adviser Tom Moloney joins host Keith Ford to break down why he decided to establish his own firm around 18 months ago, and the importance of developing new talent in financial advice. Moloney explains how he took an intentional approach to his career in financial advice, some of the pros and cons of setting up a new advice firm, and the different options that a prospective practice principal can explore when going out on their own. Tune in to hear: The value of having the support of an established business, including leveraging shared resources, economies of scale, and established referral networks. How transitioning from an adviser to a business owner requires a significant mindset shift. Why nurturing "soft skills" like communication and client understanding in new advisers, alongside technical expertise, is vital.

In the latest episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP chief economist, Dr Shane Oliver, discuss this week's RBA interest rate decision, a potential government shutdown in the US, and a new property scheme aimed at first home buyers. Key discussion points: Whether the RBA will cut rates by the end of the year. Increased risk of a US government shutdown. A shutdown's effect on the job market. The "desperation" in Australia's property market. Economic impact of a 5 per cent home deposit scheme.

The SMSF sector is in a holding pattern as key regulatory and legislative changes remain unresolved. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Aaron Dunn and Keith Ford discuss some of the key changes that are still to be clarified, such as the Div 296 tax and the much-anticipated NALI/E amendments. The podcast touches on recent updates from the ATO, specifically regarding Law Companion Ruling (LCR) 2021/2 relating to super contributions and the recently released annual Class Benchmark report. Listen as they discuss: Revelations that more SMSFs will be impacted by the proposed Div 296 than originally estimated. The changing face of the SMSF sector demographics. The ongoing advice gap in the SMSF sector. Implications of commuting market-linked pensions.

In the latest episode of Relative Return Insider, host Keith Ford and AMP chief economist Shane Oliver discuss the latest Australian CPI data and their impact on future interest rate decisions. If the RBA opts to cut rates again, how will this affect investor and consumer behaviour? Key discussion points: Factors driving the decrease in inflation. Potential implications for interest rates. The role of the public sector in jobs growth. How rate cuts have affected house prices.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Ben Walsh, principal research consultant at WealthVantage Partners, joins host Keith Ford to break down the corporate regulator's new report on the private credit market and highlight the main areas that financial advisers need to understand. Walsh delves into the report's detailed examination of the industry, emphasising the need for greater transparency and scrutiny, particularly regarding special purpose vehicles, fee disclosures, and product labelling. Tune in to hear: Why advisers need to conduct thorough due diligence and not rely on any third party when recommending private credit to clients. The danger of private credit funds often being mislabelled as "defensive exposure" despite the illiquid nature of their underlying assets. Why advisers shouldn't be considered gatekeepers, and more onus needs to be on the fund managers themselves.

In our new "Ahead of the Curve" series, in partnership with fund manager MFS Investment Management, Money Management will explore all things fixed income. The dedicated educational series of expert insights and compelling discussion will help advisers understand how they can best utilise fixed income within their clients' portfolios to meet their needs and help them achieve their financial goals. In this podcast, join MFS' managing director and head of wholesale distribution for Australia and New Zealand, James Langlands, as he interviews Evidentia senior asset consultant Ron Mehmet to discuss fixed income fund selection for advisers. The pair also discuss: Where to start when researching fixed income. What advisers should look for in a public fixed income fund. Differentiating between different types of bond offerings. Common misconceptions made during fund selection. The diversification benefits from fixed income for client portfolios.

In the latest episode of Relative Return Insider, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic, Shane Oliver, and Keith Ford unpack the twists and turns of today's markets – from credit rating agencies navigating global uncertainty to simultaneous dual IPOs. They examine whether tariffs, trade tensions, and protectionist policies are genuinely straining rating agencies or just adding to the usual market noise, and dissect why research houses sometimes reach conflicting conclusions. Key discussion points: How global uncertainty and trade tensions impact credit rating agencies' assessments. Diverging research house views, including Lonsec downgrades versus Zenith's praise of Metrics funds. The potential effects of regulatory moves, including US President Donald Trump's push for biannual reporting. Simultaneous IPOs, are they possible and warranted?

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Mazi Wealth financial adviser Deline Jacovides joins host Keith Ford to delve into the complexities of making financial advice more accessible and why accessibility extends beyond simply trying to deliver advice at the lowest cost possible. Jacovides explains that she believes making advice more accessible includes utilising diverse delivery methods like ad hoc services that may appeal to clients who may not require continuous engagement, while also requiring government action to reduce the cost burden on financial advisers. Tune in to hear: Why transparency and education are crucial to bridge the gap between client expectations and the true cost of financial advice. How clients who have engaged with online "finfluencer" content often have some level of foundational financial literacy. The role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing the efficiency of advice delivery. Why fixing the onerous statement of advice process should be the top priority in advice reform.

Market valuations have emerged as a crucial area in the SMSF sector, particularly in light of regulatory changes and heightened ATO scrutiny. The looming spectre of Division 296 further complicates the landscape, particularly regarding the methodology used for valuations. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Podcast, host Aaron Dunn, chief executive of Smarter SMSF, is joined by industry stalwart Shelley Banton, head of technical for ASF Audits, to delve into the changing expectations for valuations and meeting the challenging compliance requirements. Listen as they discuss: The complexity of market valuations, especially for assets that lack readily available market data. Concerns around private credit. Practical solutions that may support auditors. The shift in expectations for the auditing profession.

In the latest episode of Relative Return Insider, host Maja Garac Djurdjevic and AMP's Shane Oliver break down US and Australian rate cuts, soaring gold, and bitcoin's volatility. The pair also discuss how perception drives value in finance, drawing a parallel to Money Heist, where the illusion of gold shapes outcomes just as confidence in central banks sustains financial systems. They also explore: Reserve Bank of Australia and US Federal Reserve rate cut outlooks. Gold and bitcoin as investment hedges. Finding true portfolio diversification. Impacts of Aussie bank cost-cutting

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Shail Singh, lead ombudsman for investments and advice at AFCA, for a deep dive into two of the most complex – and crucial – pillars of financial consumer protection: the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. From resolving disputes early and rebuilding client relationships to tackling large-scale cases like Dixon Advisory, Singh sheds light on how AFCA operates and the challenges posed by mounting case volumes. The discussion also unpacks the role of the CSLR in firm failures, deadline-driven complaint surges, and the often-confusing treatment of self-managed super funds under retail versus wholesale classifications. Hear about: AFCA's approach to resolving disputes and why early resolution is encouraged. The challenges of the CSLR in handling firm failures and complaint deadlines. What advisers need to know about SMSF classifications, multi-party disputes, and managing risk.